Liberation Day is observed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) every May 17. This public holiday commemorates the 1997 coup d'état led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, which marked the end of Joseph-Desiré Mobutu's over three-decade rule. Mobutu's dictatorship, characterized by a centralized single-party state and a powerful cult of personality, was brought to an end following the First Congo War, initiated by Kabila with support from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. On May 16, 1997, Mobutu fled into exile, and Kabila proclaimed himself President the following day. The holiday is a non-working day, during which government offices and most businesses close. Celebrations typically include public speeches, colorful street parades, and cultural shows, reflecting the significance of this historical event in the nation's journey towards liberation.